Cost-share
NCAT Wool Quality Improvement Program
National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
What you can get
State-specific NRCS EQIP 2025 rates with an additional 50% reimbursement, according to the FAQ. Confirm the exact project rate in the signed annex; no universal percentage of actual costs or dollar cap is published. • Funding supports conservation work, wool handling and quality, and market development. Optional fund terms differ. USDA NRCS Advancing Markets for Producers funds the project.
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, Sheep and wool producers in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, Utah or Wyoming
- Coverage
- CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, NY, SD, UT, WY
- Deadline & timing
- The official site accepts producer applications with no posted application closing date as verified October 10, 2026. The project runs through March 31, 2028; that is a project end date, not an application deadline.
- Eligibility
- Participation requires at least one approved conservation practice through the Practice Implementation Fund. Overlapping public payments for the same practice and acreage during its lifespan are prohibited. Approval and a signed annex must precede work. The farmer pays costs upfront; reimbursement follows completion and certification. Optional Wool Improvement Fund participation is not guaranteed. Market Innovation Fund terms remain under development in the September FAQ. Current application and FAQ
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 12, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.